He knew at once it was a human bone, when he took it from the baby who was sitting on the floor chewing it. -- Narrator
(chapter 1)

Importance: This shocking opening line creates a sense of mystery that draws the reader in from the very first sentence of the book.

Marriage was sacred in the eyes of God and people had to put up with much in order to keep it together. -- Narrator
(chapter 5)

Importance: This line emphasizes how people treat domestic abuse like it was an unimportant crime. Even the vicar, a religious leader who is supposed to help and care for their flock is brushing aside Margrét’s abuse as just another trial people endure in life.

It sometimes occurred to her, which perhaps he too knew deep down inside, that the violence he inflicted on her was above all a manifestation of his own weakness. -- Narrator
(chapter 5)